Wire-bound-box-blank machine



W. P. HEAL-Y.

wlmi BOUND Box BLANKMACHJNE. PPLICATlON FILED MAY 9| |910- R'ENEWED IAN. 1|, l9l9. atentd June 15, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l .a Y s W. P. HEALY.

WIRE BOUND BOX BLAN'K-'MACHiNL APPLICATION FILED MAY 9. falo. RENEwEn JAN. 11, 1919.

1,343,561. Patented Jun 15, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

W. P. HEALY.

WIRE BGUND BOX BLANK MACHINE. APPLxcATloN FILED MAY 9,1910.' RENEwED 1m11.191s.

1,343,561. Patented June 15,1920.

Wg? Wgfw Ji/Lag@ l Y UNITED STATES PATENT oFElcE.

WILLIAM r. HEALY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AssIGNoR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, To

MAINE.

WIRE-:BOUND-BOX-BLANK MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 15, 1920.

Application led May 9, 1910, Serial N0. 560,307. Renewed January 11, 1919. Serial No. 270,756.

making wire bound box blanks of that kind in which the sections of the blank are reiny forced by cleats.

Among other objects my invention is intended to provide a machine of such character that the blanks can be made in diiferent ways, as by using loose spacing blocks between the ends of the cleats, or without employing any spacing blocks at all, whereby cleats of different lengths can be used for blanks of different sizes without changing the machine, such adjustment of the machine being necessary only when the width of the blanks is changed or varied, and even then the time necessary for adjustment of the machine from one size of blank to another being very slight, thereby enabling the user to change the size of the blanks as often as necessary, and without losing but very little time in so doing, and whereby each blank is subjected to longitudinal com* pression to crowd the sections thereof tightly together, lor toward each other, to insure tight corners for the box, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

ln the accompanying drawings,

Figure l is a side elevation of an illustrative machine containing an embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view of a part of one of the guides for the cleats, and of one of the pushers for moving the materials along, showing the use of loose blocks between the ends ofl the cleats.

Fig. 3 is a similar view showing a differ;

ent method of separating the cleats, and a different form of gage for starting the new blank. l

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the machine shown in Fig. l. l.

Fig. 5 is a perspective of one of the pushers that are moved by the chains to engage the rear end of each blank to carry the latter under the Staplers.

Fig. 6 is a perspective of one ofthe spacin g blocks that may be employed when slight space is desired between the edges of the veneer.

Fig. 7 shows a blank with the spaces between the cleats staggered relative to the joints between the edges of the veneer, said jomts being formed without any space between said edges.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective of a portion of ya diderent kind of blank, the ends of the cleats being rabbeted instead of step-mitered, this being a well known form of blank and one which can be made on my improved machine by using a different and well known form of spacing block, or by omitting the said blocks altogether, as will be explained.

Fig. 9 shows a spacing block of the kind suitable for use in making the blank shown in Fig. 7 j

As thus illustrated, my invention comprises a frame or body A upon which the various operative parts are supported in suitably elevated positions. The Staplers B are disposed in a row across the machine, and are operated by a suitably actuated cross head b, in the usual and well known manner. The binding wires C are fed below the Staplers from spools or reels 'c in a manner which will be readily understood. The guides D and D extend longitudinally of the machine, below the two outside sta 1ers; and are adapted to receive the cleats lil and hold the latter in two parallel and longitudinally advancing rows. These guides are" in the nature of channel irons, and the guide D is laterally adjustable to vary the width'of the blanks. The machine is provided at opposite ends with transverse shafts F and G having sprockets for the chains H and H which run parallel and longitudinally of the machine. The upper portion of the chain H runs inside of the guide D and'the chain H outside of the guide D', being in substan-l tially the same horizontal plane as said guides. Said chains are connected by transupward when the pushers pass under.

verse bars l, which are called pushers, and which are provided with blocks z' and c" that travel in the guides D and D to push the cleats and veneer along. The block z" is adjustable on the bottom or inner side of the pusher in each case, so that it can be adjusted with the guide D for diiferent widths of blank. The machine is long enoughto accommodate a blank which is just starting under the Staplers, and another which is fully laid and waiting for the next-pusher. Out at the end of the machine where the cleats and veneer are laid in place, the guides D and D are provided with fixed stops or gage pieces J, as shown in Fig. 2, which are of a height to let the pusher blocks z' and i pass when the latter engage the rear end of the blank. The spacing blocks K are shown with this arrangement, which blocks are loose and slide along the guides with the cleats between the ends of which they are interposed. These blocks are step-mitered where they engage the cleats, are each provided with an upper projection lc that serves to separate the edges of the veneer in such manner that the end of one cleat is a distance back .from the edge of the veneer, while the other cleat extends to the edge of the veneer (see Figs. 2 and 7). In Fig. 3 the stops or gage pieces L for the guides are pivoted at Z and made high enough to engage the edge of the veneer, so that all four sheets of ve' neer can be laid and crowded up close to-` gether without space between. In such case the blocks M are used between the cleats, and the gage L in each guide is depressed by the pushers to enable the latter to pass and enage the rear end of the newly laid blank.

he gage L is then raised to normal position by the springl, or by any suitable means. Suitable clamps or guides N are provided and arranged to bear upon the blanks while they are traveling under the Staplers. These clamps which keep the work from becoming displaced can obviously be made yielding to permit the pushers to pass below. Or the pushers can be disposed in the same plane as the veneer, so that their tops are flush with the upper surface of the blanks, in which case the clamps N do not need to ield f the guides engage the edges-of the veneer, then the pushers move along the lguides a little' above the blanks; but if not, or if only one guide engages the edges of the veneer, then the pushers, or at least oneend thereof, will travel in the same plane as the veneer. The clamps N cam-therefore, be disposed to engage the tops of the blanks at any suitable points.

A Ilatchet feed'mechanism O is provided at one end of the machine for giving the shaft G, and chains H and H', an intermittent feeding movement to carry the blanaks under the Staplers. This feed mechanism is operated in any suitable manner. ln addition there is a friction clutch P controlled by a lever p for accelerating the motion of the chains, causing the latter to move forward with a quick continuous motion when it is necessary to make the new blank move faster to catch up with the blank which has just been stapled.

In operation it will be understood that the laying of the first blank is started by placing a pair of cleats against the gage pieces J or L, as the case may be. As shown in Fig. 2, a block K is then placed against the end of each cleat, with the projection lc away therefrom. Then a sheet of veneer is laid on l said cleats, and another pair of cleats placed eration is repeated until four sections are in place, care beine taken to see that the blocks are all positioned alike, so that the formation at each joint will be the same as the others. When the pushers engage the rear end of the blank, the whole moves forward to the Staplers. While this blank is being stapled, another is being laid behind it, and by the time the first blank is finished another pusher Z is ready to engage the new blank. It is at this time that the lever p can be used to effect a quick movement forward of the new blank, so that too much space or too long an interval will not occur between the blanks. Tf the guides have Gage pieces L, (see Fig. 3), and if the blocks are used, then the veneer is all crowded up together without space between, and a blank of the kind shown in Fig. 7 is made., The spaces between the ends of the cleats are staggered relatively to the joints between the edges of the veneer, and this formation is uniform. A blank of this kind can only be folded one ing the blanks.

The machine thus constructed can also be used without spacing blocks, by first tacking or preliminarily fastening the veneer to the cleats. This can be done in any suit-able manner, and the separate box sections of cleats and veneer thus preliminarily fastened together can yhen be placed in the machine and secured together by the wires C, to make a blank like that shown in Fig. 7. ln such case the edges of the veneer meet and one sheet or sect1on pushes the other.

lf desired, the form of cleats shown in Fig. 8 can be used, and blanks made by any of the methods described above. Thus the machine will, without any changes therein, Work with cleats of different lengths, adjustments only being necessary when the width of the blanks is changed. This can be done quickly, and practically no time is lost in changing from one size of blank to another.

lt is obvious, of course, that miter blocks of the ordinary character can be used, with the means for spacing the veneer disposed way, and no mistakes will be made in foldllO centrally thereof. It will also be understood that the machine is So controlled by the attendant or operator that suiiicient space is left between the blanks, as fast as they are made, to provide the wires, after the blanks are cut apart, with end portions which are long enough to be twisted together to close the box. In this connection it will be seen that the Staplers are controlled by the usual friction clutch, which latter is in turn controlled by a hand lever Q, in the well known manner. Thus the mechanism for moving the blanks along the guides can be controlled at will and the operation of the Staplers can also be controlled at will. It will also be understood, of course, that when the veneer is preliminarily tackedY to the cleats, by using tacks or brads, the gage pieces J or L, are then not necessary. In Such case the sheets of veneer with the cleats secured thereto are Simply laid in place in the guides, and 'they are easily assembled together Without using the said gage pieces. The latter can, however, be used, if such is desired.

Always, of course, the ends of the' cleats are separated or spaced apart. rIhe means for doing this may be either the spacing blocks or the tacks or brads heretofore mentioned, and in either case the blank iS given a longitudinal compression. The friction of the cleats in the guides creates an opposition to the propelling force of the pushers, `and this retardation is augmented by the back pull of the binding wires. By my improved machine and method, the result is that each blank is subjected to longitudinal compression, and is secured together while thus under compression. This means that the Sections of each blank will be crowded toward each other, and if no Spacing blocks are used the edges of the veneer will be squeezed and compressed tightly together. In any event, and regardless of whether the spacing blocks are used or not, the sections of the blank will be drawn or crowded toward each other, insuring the proper and uniform length for the blanks, and tight corners for the boxes.

The blank is contracted somewhat regardless of whether the spacing blocks are used or not. By this is meant that the general tendency is to contract the blank longitudinally, as a result of the opposing forces applied at opposite ends thereof; the pusherV resisting the back pull of the wires on all sections of the blank, and also on the blocks when vthe latter are employed. Both kinds of blocks can be employed on the machine, either at the same or different times. And, in any event, the immediate result of the stapling operation iS a fiexible blank.

That I claim as my invention is:

1. In a box blank machine, a Set of stationary Staplers, means for supplying binding wires to the Staplers, guides for cleats to slide in, loose blocks for spacing the ends of the cleats apart, an endless carrier, a pusher on said carrier, coperating with said blocks and Staplers to produce a iexible blank as the immediate result of the general Stapling operation, said pusher adapted to propel the entire blank by engaging only the rear end thereof, to crowd the cleats and blocks tightly together, the machine being adapted to hold the cleats of a single blank end to end and in assembled relation, a feed mechanism for intermittently propelling said carrier, the arrangement being such that each pusher engages the blank ahead until after both have passed out from under Sald Staplers, and means for operating the Staplers to secure the binding wires and veneer to the cleats, whereby the immediate result of said Stapling operation is a foldable blank, each blank being moved entirely by power applied intermittently at the rear end thereof during the Stapling operation.

2. In a box blank machine, a set of stationary Staplers, means for supplying binding wires to the Staplers, guides for cleats to slide in, loose blocks for spacing the ends of the cleats apart, an endless carrier, pushers on said carrier, cooperating with said blocks and Staplers to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of the general staplmg operation, each pusher adapted to propel the entire blank by engaging only the rear end thereof,to crowd the cleats and blocks tightly together, the machine being adapted to hold the cleats of a single blank end to end and in assembled relation, a feed mechanism for intermittently propelling said carrier, the arrangement being such that each pusher engages the blank ahead until after both have passed out from under said Staplers, means for operating the staplers to Secure the binding wires and veneer to the cleats, whereby the immediate result of Said stapling operation is a foldable blank, and a mechanism for operating Said carrier to move the blank faster than said feed mechanism, each blank being moved entirely by power applied intermittently atv the rear end thereof during the stapling operation.

I 3. In a box blank machine, al Set of stationary staplers, means for supplying binding wires to the Staplers, guides for cleats to slide in, loose blocks for Spacing the ends of the cleats apart, an endless carrier, pushers on said carrier, coperating with said blocks and Staplers to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of the general stapling operation, each pusher adapted to propel the entire blank by engaging only the rear end thereof, to crowd the cleats and blocks tightly together, the machine being adapted to hold the cleats of a Singleblank end to end and in assembled relation, a feed mechanism for intermittently propelling said carrier, the arrangement being such that each pusher engages the blank ahead until after both have passed out from under said Staplers, means for operating the staplers to secure the binding wires and veneer to the cleats, whereby the immediate result of said stapling operation is a folda'ble blank, and means in said guides for gaging the position of the first cleats and sheet of veneer, each blank being moved entlrely by power applied intermittently at theJ rear end thereof during the stapling operation.

4. ln a box blank machine, a set of stationary Staplers, means for supplying binding wires to the Staplers, guides for cleats to slide in, loose blocks for spacing the ends of the cleats apart, an endless carrier, pushers on said carrier, coperating with said blocks and staplers to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of the general stapling operation, each pusher adapted to propel the entire blank by engagmg only the rear end thereof, to crowd the cleats and blocks tightly together, the machine being adapted to hold the cleats of a single blank end to end and in assembled relation, a feed mechanism for intermittently propelling said carrier, the arrangement being suc that each pusher engages the blank ahead until after both have passed out from under said Staplers, means for operating the staplers to secure the binding wires and veneer; to the cleats, whereby the immediate result l of said stapling operation is a foldabley blank, and means for changing the width of the blanks by laterally adjusting only one of said guides, each blank being moved entirely by power applied intermittently at the rear end thereof during the stapling operation.

5. ln a box blank machine, means for spacing cleats apart endwise, means for posltioning the sheets of veneer with the edges thereof even with the ends of the cleats in one direction, and with the edges extending a suitable distance beyond the ends of the cleats in they other direction, being constructed and arranged to hold the sections of the blank thus formed in such manner that they may be crowded togethery by pressure only on the rearmost section, means for supplying binding wires, and means for securing the binding wires to the veneer and cleats. n

6. ln a box blank stapling machine, for wiring together the prevlou'sly unconnected sections of each blank, a set of stationary Staplers, means for supplying binding wires to .the Staplers, guides for cleats to vslide in, an endless carrier, pushers on said carrier, each pusher adapted to propel the entire blank by engaging only the rear end thereof, to crowd the cleats tightly together, the machine being adapted to hold'the cleats of a single blank end to end and in assembled relation, a feed mechanism for intermittently propelling said carrier, so arranged that each pusher travels under and beyond said Staplers before discharging the blanks, means for operating the Staplers to secure the binding wires and veneer to the cleats, with said wires extending continuously from each section of the blank to the next, whereby the immediate result of said stapling operation is a foldable blank, and means in said guides for gaging the position of the first cleats and sheet of veneer, the said feed mechanism serving to move the blank by the application of power entirely at the rear end thereof.

7. In a box blank machine, the combination of mechanism for crowding the sections of the blank toward each other, by a compressive action exerted longitudinally of the blank, adapted to give the sections a step by step forward feeding motion, means for keeping the ends of the cleats spaced apart or separated, subject tosaid feeding action, and mechanism for successively wiring the sections of the blank together while the same are thus under compression, thereby to produce a flexible .blank as the immediate result of the operation, the feeding motion being communicated to the blank entirely at the rear end thereof.

8. A wire bound box blank machine comprising instrumentalities for spacing apart the cleats ofy a 'single blank, to provide spaces between the ends of said cleats, means for giving the blank and said instrumentalities an intermittent or step by step feeding motion, by power applied only at the rearend of said blank, and wiring mechanism, the said wiring vmechanism producing a back pull in the other direction, whereby the sections of the blank are successively connected together, thereby to produce a flexible blank as the .immediate result of the wiring operation.

9. A box blank machine com rising j guides on which cleats rest and s ide, a pusher for propelling the blank by engaging only the rear end thereof, traveling .supports outside of said guides for carry- 1n saigd supports an intermittent motion, and wiring mechanism for successively securing Athe sections of the blank together, coperating with said pusher to compress the blank said pusher along, means for giving j endwise during the wiring together of the j previously unconnected side sections thereof, thereby to produce aklongitudinally contracted iexible blank as the immediate result of said wiring operation, said pusher having a horizontal path of travel extend- 1 ing below and beyond said mechanism, and means engaging between the ends 'of the cleats to space them a art at the points whereAthe blank is required to fold.

box blank machine comprisingi guides on which cleats rest and slide, a pusher for propelling the blank by engaging only the rear end thereof, traveling supports outside of said guides for carryin said pusher along, means for givin sai supports an intermittent motion, an wiring mechanism for successively securing the sect-ions of the blank together, coperating with said pusher to compress the blank endwise during the wiring together of the previously unconnected side sections thereof, thereby to produce a longitudinally contracted flexible blank as the immediate result of said wiring operation, said pusher having a horizontal path of travel extending below and beyond said mechanism, and blocks sliding in said guides to space the ends of the cleats, each block being separate and independent of the others.

11. A wire bound box blank machine p rovided with a spacing block for separatmg cleats, having means for spacing the edges lof the veneer, disposed in such position on the block that the veneer overhangs at one end of the cleats, but is ush at the other end thereof, and mechanism for wiring together the blank sections thus held apart, thereby to produce a liexible blank as the immediate result of said wiring operation.

12'. A wire bound box machine provided with means for spacing the edges of the veneer between the sections of the blank, disposed in such position that the veneer overhangs at one end of the cleats, but 1s flush at the other end thereof, and mechanism for wiring together the blank sections thus held apart, thereby to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of said wiring operation.

13. A wire bound box blank machine comprising mechanism for successively wiring together the several sections of the blank, and means for holding the sections in position by pressure applied at the rear end only of the blank, whereby the sections ahead are held against displacement by the sections behind, during the wiring operation, thereby to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of said rear end pressure and the wiring operation, and devices for preventin the cleats from engaging 4each other at t e ends thereof.

14. A wire bound box blank machine comprising mechanism for successively wiring together the several sections of the blank, and means for holding the sections in position by pressure applied at the rear end only of the blank, whereby the sections ahead are held against displacement by the sections behind, during the wiring operation, thereby to produce a flexible blank as the immediate result of said rear" end pressure and the wiring operation, and devices for preventing the cleats from engaging each other at the ends thereof, said devices consisting of blocks interposed between the cleats, and said means having an intermittent motion to feed the blank below 'said mechanism.

15. A wire bound box blank machine comprising mechanism for successively wiring together the several sections of the blank, and means for holding the sections in position by pressure applied at the rear end only of the blank, whereby the sections ahead are held against displacement by the sections behind, during the wiring operation, thereby to produce a flexible' blank as the immediate result of said rear end pressure and the wiring operation, and devices for preventing the cleats from en aging each other at the ends thereof, said devices including spacing blocks which are propelled by and operative with cleats of different lengths.

16. A machine for producing foldable box blanks by progressively attaching binding wire to box sections,-which comprises, in combination, supply means from which the wire by virtue of its attachment to the work is drawn in the relative progression of the attaching operation; fastener-setting mechanism for performing such operation; and means opposing the drag of the wires by exerting thrust through following sections against the section to which the wire is being att-ached and thereby forcing the several sections into close relationship during the wiring of the sections together.

17. A box-blank machine comprising, in combination, means for receiving and maintaining in longitudinal alinement an assembly of separate sections of blank material in cooperative foldable-relationship; binding wire supply means; fastener-setting mechanism to secure the binding wire to the work; and feeding means for progressing the work step-by-step, said feeding means pushing i preceding from following sections and exerting no direct action upon asection which is being wired except in the case of the last section of the blank, whereby the sections are forced toward each other by the opposing effects of the feeding and of the pull of the wires.

18. A box-blank machine comprising, in

combination, meansfor receiving and maintaining in longitudinal alinement an assembly of separate sections of blank material in cooperative foldable relationship; binding wire supply means; fastener-setting mechanism operable successively upon successively presented points of each section to secure the binding wire to the work; and feeding means for progressing the World step-b v-step, in alternation with consecutive fastener-setting operations, said feeding means comprising an intermittently movable push member arranged to engage the rear section only of the assembled sections and to push the entire assembly thereby.

19. A machine for producing foldable box-blanks by wiring together separate box sides each comprising separate side sheet material and individual cleats,-which comprises, in combination, wire-attaching mech'- anism; cleat supporting means arranged to receive cleats in preliminary assembly preparatory to a positive feed; coperating cleat-gaging means arranged at the end of the machine from which the work moves and alined transversely of the machine; feeding means comprising a traveler having workpushing devices adapted to pass said gaging means without interference thereby; and independent relatively movable cleat-spacing devices arranged to be introduced into the cleat paths together with the cleats.

20. A machine for producing foldable box blannks by wiring together separate box sides each comprising separate side sheet material and individual cleats,-which comprises, in combination, Wire-attaching means; cleat guides; transversely alined cleat-gaging means arranged at the end of the machine from which the work moves; a plurality of spacing devices associated with each cleat guide and arranged to be adjusted in succession, each having its adjusted position determined by the end of the cleat between it and the said gaging means and serving to position the end of the next cleat; and means for feeding said cleats and spacing devices to the wire attaching mechanism, comprising a traveler having work pushing means adapted to pass the gaging means without interference therefrom.

21. A machine for producing foldable box blanks by progressively wiring together a plurality of separate box sections,which comprises, in combination, supply means from which the binding wire by virtue of its attachment to the work is drawn in the relative progression of the wire-attaching operation; fastener-setting mechanism for performing such operation; and means opposing and coperating with the drag of the wire for forcing adjacent sections into close relationship during the wiring of such sections together.

22. Ama'ohine for producing foldable box blanks by progressively wiring together a plurality of separate box sections,-which comprises, in combination, supply' means from which the binding wire by virtue of its attachment to the'work is drawn in the relative progression of the wire-attaching operation; fastener-setting mechanism for performing such operation; and means opposing the drag of the wire by exerting thrust against a section being wired through following work and thereby forcing adjacent sections into close relationship during the wiring of such sections together.

23. Amachine for producing foldable box blanks by progressively wiring together a plurality of separate box sections,-which the wire-attaching operation; and means 71 opposing and coperating with the drag of the wire for forcing adjacent sections into close relationship during the wiring thereof together.

24. A machine for producing foldable box 7;

blanks by progressively wiring together a plurality of separate box sections,-Which comprises, in combination, fastener-setting mechanism for attaching the binding wire;

wire-guiding means past which the wire is g.

dragged by the work in the progression of the wire-attaching operation; and means opposing the drag of the wire by exerting thrust through following work against a section being wired and thereby forcing seca tions into close relationship during the wiring thereof together.

25. A machine for producing foldable box blanks by progressively wiring together a plurality of separate box sections,-which 9 comprises, in combination, fastener-setting mechanism for attaching the binding wire; wire-engaging means associated with said mechanism past which the wire is dragged by the work in the progression of the wire- 9 attaching operation; andv means opposing and coperating with the drag of the wire for forcing sections into close relationship one with another during the wiring thereof together. l 26. A machine for making foldable box blanks by wiring separate box sections together,-which com rises, in combination, fastener-setting mec anism to secure binding wire to the work; means from which the l wire is drawn by the work; and feeding means for progressing the work step by step, said feeding means pushing a preceding from a following section and exerting no direct action on a wired section or sec- 1 tions unless in the case of the last section of a blank, whereby the opposing effects of the feeding and the pull of the Wires forces adjacent sections into desired relationship for connection. 1

27. A machine for making foldable box blanks by Wiring separate box sections together,-which comprises, in combination, fastener-setting mechanism to secure binding wire to the work; means from which the l wire is drawn by the work in its feeding movement; and means for feeding a succession of separate box sections past said mechanism without direct action on ya wired section or sectio.- J unless in the case of the 1 last section of r. blank; whereby the opposing effects of the feeding and drag of the wire forces adjacent sections into desired relationship for connection.

28. A machine for making foldable box 1 blanks by Wiring separate box sections together,-'Which comprises, in combination, fastener-setting mechanism to secure binding Wire to box sections; means for feeding thereto a succession of separate box sections Without direct action on a Wired section. or sections unless in the case of the last section of a blank; and means acting through a section to resist the feeding action, whereby adjacent sections are forced into desired re- 10 lationshipvfor Wiring.

Signed by me at Chicago, Illinois, this 7thv day of May, 1919.

WILLIAM P. HEALY.

Witnesses:

WM. B. DURMON, R. LEHMAN. 

